Imagine deep drains crisscrossing paddy fields. This is how Keung Ma Wo got its name. We are standing in Keung Ma Wo. It means “deep drains” in Chinese.
Keung Ma Wo is a place with a story. It is a story that begins long ago. Shenzhen’s history stretches back thousands of years. Archaeological finds suggest people lived here 6,700 years ago.
Shenzhen, where Keung Ma Wo is located, has been a settlement for over 1600 years. This area was once home to the Baiyue Tribe. They were seafaring people. They mainly fished.
Later, Shenzhen became part of China during the Qin Dynasty. The emperor Qinshihuang united China. He established prefectures and brought Shenzhen into the fold.
Centuries passed. Shenzhen evolved. During the Song Dynasty, it thrived as a maritime trade hub. Salt and spices were important products. Pearls became famous during the Yuan Dynasty.
The Ming Dynasty saw military bases established nearby. In 1573, Xin’an County was created. It covered present-day Shenzhen and Hong Kong. Salt, tea, spices, and rice fueled the economy.
Then came a period of cession. Treaties with Britain led to the separation of Hong Kong Island. Later, the Kowloon Peninsula and New Territories were also ceded.
In 1913, Xin’an County became Bao’an County again. The county seat moved to Shenzhen Township in 1953. The Guangzhou-Kowloon Railway brought people and prosperity.
A significant change occurred in 1979. Bao’an County was renamed Shenzhen City. In 1980, Shenzhen became China’s first Special Economic Zone. This transformed the city.
Shenzhen grew rapidly. It became a manufacturing hub. It led in technology. The city’s average income surpassed Beijing and Shanghai.
Shenzhen gained recognition as a UNESCO City of Design. It became known for its theme parks. These include Window of the World and Splendid China Folk Village.
Today, Shenzhen is a modern metropolis. It is a transport hub. It connects China to the world. Yet, places like Keung Ma Wo remind us of its humble beginnings. From deep drains to a global city, Shenzhen’s story continues. Keung Ma Wo stands as a silent witness to this incredible transformation. It shows how a small village evolved into a vital part of a dynamic region.